Baked Chicken and Rice

This Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice is a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. Tender chicken fillets are marinated in a blend of olive oil, paprika, turmeric, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper, allowing the spices to infuse every bite with rich, savory flavor.

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Total Time 50

Ingredients

For the Chicken
Chicken Tenders
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon dried thyme
For the Rice
2 cups long-grain rice, rinsed
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tomato, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground ginger
2 cups water

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken fillets in a bowl. Add the olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, turmeric, and dried thyme. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated, then set aside for 15–30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice
Add the rinsed rice to a baking dish. Stir in the chopped onion, tomatoes, minced garlic, fresh parsley, olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, turmeric, cumin, and ground ginger. Pour in the water and mix everything well.
Step 3: Assemble
Arrange the marinated chicken fillets evenly over the seasoned rice mixture.
Step 4: Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45–55 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes if you would like the chicken to develop a light golden color.
Step 5: Serve
Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and enjoy with a crisp salad, yogurt sauce, or your favorite side dish.